in all seriousness...i dont really have much useful to say about this game. just seen both teams play a lot this year and I've been so impressed time and time again w/ the lobos. looked really composed the other day in a game where they struggled against the freakish athleticism of Beach, and they won't see that again w/ Louisville. Incredible shot selection in crunch time (and the whole game), great 1:1 defense against Casper Ware (drew gordon), very strong defense overall. Fundamental basketball for 40 minutes --- very intelligent basketball team. made their free throws, shared the ball (19 assists), key blocks when they counted, rebounded well, etc. I believe Gordon will shut down Siva and they'll harass Louisville the entire game. I don't think very highly of the turnover-prone cardinals that looked absolutely dreadful 2-3 weeks ago.

just not a big fan of big east basketball in general, and i think louisville's the most overrated "good team". personal opinion. and i think NMU's flown under the radar, and it gives them a strange little advantage in this game.

I'm also a big fan of Syracuse winning vs. K State. Trying not to be short-sighted and trying to remember how good this team is, with or without fab melo. absolutely concerned about the rebounding (k state is #6 offensive rebounding team in country; syracuse is #341 defensive), but I'll probably jump in if it drops to 4. otherwise i'll just play it live, or not at all.

Being 2 hours away from VCU, I've watched this team a lot over the past couple years. Love Shaka Smart, and totally buy into what he's selling. But this is a horrible matchup for VCU. Many people believe that VCU's athleticism and havoc will give "unathletic" Indiana trouble and wear them down. Definitely disagree. NM State is arguably even more athletic than VCU, and they zipped em up. Indiana will get a lot of open shots when VCU tries to trap and smother, and Hoosiers will make them pay with excellent shot selection and ball handling. expecting them to find plenty of outlets on the wing (#2 three-point shooting team in country) and right inside the perimeter, and expecting them to play as more of agressors than Wichita State did. Shockers looked as if they were trying to merely "survive"the HAVOC (stupid name btw) during the first 30, but during the last 10 minutes they played more assertive and poked gaping holes in the defense. I don't think it will take Indiana as long to adapt, and I believe the competitiveness of the Big 10 will have them ready for this game. Hoosiers played 40 minutes of smart basketball yesterday and took their opponent seriously right out of the gate; expecting them to do it again.

the Badgers rely entirely too much on 3-pointers to fall and on Jordan Taylor, and they're known to go through frequent offensive droughts for long stretches of time. Can't afford to do that against Vandy --- one of the best, if not the best backcourt in the country. Jenkins is the best 3-point shooter in the country. He was on fire yesterday w/ 27 and getting help all over. If they can limit the turnovers and get normal production out of Jenkins and Ezeli, I don't think they'll have a problem. I'm kind of afraid of Bo Ryan, but whatever. Gotta play this one at such a short line.

Vanderbilt immediately became the sexy pick for everyone after they topped Kentucky, but I've been a big fan of this team all season. Wasn't fair to discredit them when Ezeli was out (missed 10 games), and I forgive them for a few bad losses. They've clicked at the right time, and although they've faced early exits the past two season, they have so much experience now and swagger and confidence this year. If they win this game, and I think they will, I think they'll have no problem beating the winner of KSU/Cuse. I believe in Stallings and all of the players.

VCU had been able to jump out on early leads against Drexel, VCU, and Wichita in their past 3 games. using that strong defense to hold on and close it out. but they've been holding for dear life, and i think they're going to experience the rare occasion of playing catch-up tomorrow. just an opinion.

I might just get off of Marquette and try to take it live. Did not realize the game is being played in Louisville, KY. Thought it was further west --- didn't do enough homework on this one. Murray is in Louisville, and while the KFC Yum Center is 4 hours away from Murray St. Univeristy, Racer Nation is going to come from all over to support this team --- they have a very wide fanbase.

Marquette went just 6-5 on the road this year, and 4 of this wins came by 7 or less points. Don't feel comfortable laying 5 here...

VCU had been able to jump out on early leads against Drexel, VCU, and Wichita in their past 3 games. using that strong defense to hold on and close it out. but they've been holding for dear life, and i think they're going to experience the rare occasion of playing catch-up tomorrow. just an opinion.

you on Marquette? I like them too.

Love marq they are on a mission.. VCU is the best trap/pressure team in the country - ville is a close 2nd... Let's not forget how bad Ind is away from home...

I actually agree with you about VCU being the best trap/pressure team in the country. But like I said, I think Indiana will handle it well. And yes --- Hoosiers play with so much confidence at home. But they looked great the other day, and I think they're the type of team that matches up very well with VCU.

Agree with you that Louisville plays great D. Nobody will dispute that. But I think you might be underestimating NMU's defense and their ability to adapt. I believe that the Cardinals will be more frustrated by NMU's defense than NMU will be frustrated by Louisville's. Don't forget how anemic the Cardinals are offensively at times --- in the 7 games played from February 13th to March 7th, they averaged less than 60 PPG. That was just a couple weeks ago. And they don't play a slow pace, and that included a 90-point game against DePaul. Five of the last 6 games to end the regular season, they scored less than 60. #234 effective shooting offense, #298 3-point shooting offense, #243 at turning the ball over.

I said I was leaning Marquette. But how are they "on a mission" any more than Murray is? Murray has won 31 games this season --- the most in basketball --- is that not enough? They're not going to lay down and die at this point in the season. They're not content with the regular season. Both of these teams play as if there's a fire lit under their fools. They both believe they can win this game and advance. They both want this equally.

I actually agree with you about VCU being the best trap/pressure team in the country. But like I said, I think Indiana will handle it well. And yes --- Hoosiers play with so much confidence at home. But they looked great the other day, and I think they're the type of team that matches up very well with VCU.

Agree with you that Louisville plays great D. Nobody will dispute that. But I think you might be underestimating NMU's defense and their ability to adapt. I believe that the Cardinals will be more frustrated by NMU's defense than NMU will be frustrated by Louisville's. Don't forget how anemic the Cardinals are offensively at times --- in the 7 games played from February 13th to March 7th, they averaged less than 60 PPG. That was just a couple weeks ago. And they don't play a slow pace, and that included a 90-point game against DePaul. Five of the last 6 games to end the regular season, they scored less than 60. #234 effective shooting offense, #298 3-point shooting offense, #243 at turning the ball over.

I said I was leaning Marquette. But how are they "on a mission" any more than Murray is? Murray has won 31 games this season --- the most in basketball --- is that not enough? They're not going to lay down and die at this point in the season. They're not content with the regular season. Both of these teams play as if there's a fire lit under their fools. They both believe they can win this game and advance. They both want this equally.

Also vcu has the edge when it comes to the coaching staffs. It's gonna be a close game and great to watch.

I understand the ville game will be tough and mexico have better overall athletes but they also have very young guards who will struggle bringing the ball up and mr. silva will give them hell...

The edge will be marq has the best player on the court and better bigs. Murray haven't faced anything like Marq...